WPO 5.14-5 Military Tuition Assistance Refund Policy
WPO 5.14-5 Military Tuition Assistance Refund Policy (Op5.21-4)
Military Tuition Assistance is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the tuition assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of funds originally awarded.
To comply with Department of Defense policy regarding the distribution of military tuition assistance, Missouri State University-West Plains will return any unearned tuition assistance funds on a prorate basis through at least the sixty percent (60%) portion of the academic period for which the funds were provided. Tuition assistance funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. These funds are returned to the military Service branch that issued the tuition assistance.
The Missouri State University-West Plains drop policy is as follows:
Classes may be dropped with a “W” grade from the end of the Change of Schedule period until approximately one week prior to the last day of full semester classes, after which time students may not drop. Last day to drop is calculated by taking the total number of days in semester and multiplying by .933; which gives the last day to drop a class in a particular semester.
Missouri State University-West Plains does not bill the DoD until the final drop date has passed. Thus, eliminating the need to return funds, for the purpose of withdrawal. If there are returned funds it would be due to an appeal and are considered extenuating circumstances.
Instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, the educational institution will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.
The tuition assistance refund schedule based on the scheduled course duration is set forth below:
(Fall/Spring) 16-week Course Withdraw
On or before the fifth day of the semester - 100% return
Days 6 through 14 of the semester - 88% return
Day 15 through 28 of the semester - 75% return
Days 29 through 56 of the semester - 50% return
Day 57 through 63 of the semester- 40% return
After the 64th - 0% return
(Fall/Spring/Summer) 8 -week Course
On or before the fifth day of the block - 100% return
Days 6 through 14 of the block - 75% return
Days 15 through 28 of the block - 50% return
Days 29 through 35 of the block - 40%
After the 36th day – 0% refund
4-week Course
On or before the second day of the semester - 100% return
Days 2 through 7 of the term - 80% return 50% return
Days 8 through 14 of the term - 60% return
Days 15 through 17 of the term - 40% return
After the 17th day – 0% refund
5-week Course
On or before the second day of the semester - 100% return
Days 3 through 7 of the term - 85% return
Days 8 through 14 of the term - 70% return
Days 15 through 21 of the term - 50% return
After the 22nd day – 0% refund
Line of authority
Responsible administrator and office: Vice Chancellor for Student Services
Contact person in that office: Veteran's Aid Coordinator
Effective Date
Chancellor approval: July 29, 2026